SHELTON, WA – Losing weight is never an easy task. Yet, when patients lose weight, they begin to see improvement in many areas of their health.

Daniel Burris, MD, based at Mason Clinic-Hoodsport Primary Care, is committed to helping patients treat obesity. Dr. Burris recently became board-certified in Obesity Medicine and is the only provider in Mason County with this certification.

“We see in Primary Care that obesity is an umbrella and there are many diseases directly affected or caused by it, such as depression, arthritis, heart diseases, hypertension and high cholesterol,” he said. “If we can help patients lose weight, we improve their conditions and get them off their medication. Helping people with weight loss, you can help them be proactive with their health.”

Obesity is the most prevalent chronic disease in our society, according to the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and yet, many physicians are not trained in how to manage it.

The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) serves the public and the field of obesity medicine by maintaining standards for assessment and credentialing physicians. Certification as an ABOM diplomat signifies specialized knowledge in the practice of obesity medicine and distinguishes a physician as having achieved competency in obesity care.

In order to obtain board certification, Dr. Burris completed 60 hours of continuing education, attending conferences on the latest research on lipids and how obesity affects the heart. He then completed a series of training modules and then passed a board exam.

“In medical school, we all received training on nutrition counseling,” he said. “It feels like a bit of an afterthought. This certification requires more in-depth knowledge.”

At least two-thirds of the patients he sees are overweight or obese, Dr. Burris said.

If a patient is interested in weight loss, Dr. Burris is able to work with them on nutrition counseling. He is also able to prescribe medication for weight loss.

“If a patient isn’t ready to be an active participant in their weight loss, or if they’re looking for a magic fix, they will not be successful,” he said. “I work with them to see what a good weight loss goal is and see where they might be struggling. There are medications to help promote weight loss, and I can work with them to tailor that to what would be safe. However, working on diet is the most important thing.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Burris, call Mason Clinic-Hoodsport Primary Care at 360-432-7781.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County, is certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.MasonGeneral.com.

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